Benedictine Monastery Einsiedeln

Excursion in Zurich

Tour Price : CHF 300.00 Duration : 4 hours Languages: English, German, French

Einsiedeln is the most important place of pilgrimage dedicated to the Virgin Mary in Switzerland. The high valley of Einsiedeln located in the heart of Central Switzerland is characterised by moors and Lake Sihl, the biggest reservoir in Switzerland in terms of area.

 The winter sports region of Hoch Ybrig is just a few kilometres away. The Abbey has drawn visitors along its mountainous route since the 9th century, when the German monk Meinrad found retreat here. In the ensuing years Einsiedeln became a pilgrimage site, attracting visitors to St. Meinrad's resting place as well as to the 1,000-year-old Black Madonna icon (housed in the Lady Chapel in the church nave).

The Abbey Church dates from the 18th century, its interior a riot of baroque ornamentation. Ceiling frescoes depict biblical scenes, and the apse and walls are adorned with vivid coral, orange and white cherubs and flourishes accented with lavender and gold leaf. The impressive baroque construction of the monastery and chapel, the collegiate library, the many cross-country skiing loops, ski runs and water sport activities, are just a few of the many highlights Einsiedeln and its surrounding region have to offer.

Highlights • Benedictine Monastery Einsiedeln – most important place of pilgrimage dedicated to the Virgin Mary featuring the "Black Madonna". • Diorama Bethlehem – is regarded as the biggest nativity display with 450 hand-carved figures. • Panorama Crucifixion of Christ – 100-metre-long giant circular painting from the 19th century. • Hoch Ybrig – family-friendly ski region on the doorstep of Einsiedeln. • Alpamare Päffikon – water slides and fun pools.

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